Raiders of the Channel Islands
When we backpack, we take measures to ensure that our food isn’t raided by animals like bears, mice, or chipmunks—especially bears. But on a recent trip to the Channel Islands National Park off the coast of California we had to beware of a unique raider–foxes. Channel Islands National Park consists of five islands located a dozen or […]
Pilgrimage to Milan
What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV Milan, Italy is known as a fashion center, financial capital, and the home of da Vinci’s painting of The Last Supper. While most people would visit the second biggest city in […]
Pioneers of the Trail
I spent several months walking the Oregon Trail when I was five and I flew over it in several hours when I was a senior citizen. Jacob Butts 1840-1925 The pioneers that traveled the Oregon Trail were hardy people. Much hardier–than us. Earlier this year we read a book about two brothers who retraced the […]
Land of Two Thousand Arches
In a world that is becoming increasingly virtual, the parks remain places of visceral beauty. Nevada Barr, American Author You may not have been there yourself, but you’ve undoubtedly seen pictures of Arches National Park. On our current journey through the southwestern US we managed to spend two days hiking through this unique area, located near […]
The Austin Texas Snipe Hunt
We love to check out unique local adventures during our travels. During a week in Austin we took a tour up in the University of Texas tower, visited the LBJ Presidential Library, worked on a house build with the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, and…may have engaged in a local “snipe hunt.”* According to local lore, a million […]
The Secret Caverns
An hour east of Tucson there is a unique set of caves in Kartchner Caverns State Park. This Arizona state park was created in 1988 to preserve these caverns in as pristine state as possible. Local cavers, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, discovered the caverns in 1974. They kept the location secret and explored them […]
Winning the Lottery: The Wave
Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit. Edward Abbey One hundred and two applicants–all vying for only thirty spots. It was the largest group of the year applying in person to be able to hike into the Coyote Buttes North wilderness—better known as “The Wave.” Even though it was a frigid […]
A Season at Home
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1 Six months before we set out on our adventure living a life on the road, my father was diagnosed with incurable colon cancer. We almost delayed our hike across Spain, but my parents insisted we set off. We […]
North to Alaska—Finally
Laurie and I were born and raised in Washington State, the state closest to Alaska. But we’ve never made the trek up north to visit the 49th member of these United States. Something about cold and mosquitos kept it off the top of our list. But we’re currently on a ten day “scouting trip” up here […]
Surprised by New York City
My favorite thing about New York is the people, because I think they’re misunderstood. I don’t think people realize how kind New York people are. Bill Murray Just after Thanksgiving, Laurie and I spent ten days in New York City with our friends Fred, Trish, and Julie in order to enjoy the Christmas season. The […]
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